Anderson relishing home Ashes Test

James Anderson has the chance to make history with England when the third Investec Test starts on Thursday at Emirates Old Trafford - a ground whose international future he helped to secure.

Three years ago, Old Trafford's continued existence as an England Test venue appeared to be on the line as planning regulators stood firm against the requisite re-development.

Anderson and his fellow Lancashire players took matters into their own hands, lobbying Trafford council in person, as part of a concerted effort to ensure the continuation of Manchester's near 130-year international pedigree.

The outcome - incorporating a new media centre, increased capacity to more than 25,000 and elevation of the old pavilion - means Anderson is about to play an Ashes Test on his home ground for the first time.

With England 2-0 up and on course to win the Ashes for a third successive time, the fast bowler said: "This is a cricket-mad area. All five days are sold out again, so it will be a fantastic atmosphere."

Recalling his own efforts to safeguard Old Trafford's future, he added: "We lobbied. The council offices are just across the road, so we all went over and stood outside the front protesting.

"It was a slow process and it looked like at one point there was a big spanner in the works. But the guys here did fantastic work. (Former chief executive) Jim Cumbes led the way, and I thought it was a fantastic effort to see it through.

"We went across the road. It was all about force in numbers. A lot of people went across there, and having players there emphasised how important it was for us. I'm not sure how many people were there, but it was in the hundreds."

Lancashire's administrators then ensured the protests were not in vain.

"The important people, who actually knew what they were doing, spoke to the relevant people - and we waited outside to do what we could to help. It was looking like we weren't going to get Test match cricket back here," he added.

"The ground needed it - a coat of paint - because it was looking tired. It was crucial for the area that we did get Test cricket back, and thankfully we did.

"It was important to the players the redevelopment happened, so we did everything we could to help that process through. I think everyone in the area is excited and really looking forward to having an Ashes Test back up in the north-west - which is really important."